Two to Travel's Phaeton Journeys: Call Us Chicken!

Friday, August 26

Yes, we know we’re not in the bull’s eye of Hurricane Irene. Yes, we know we’re at the far edge of the area designated for a tropical storm warning in northern Virginia. Yes, our location means that the effects of the storm would be greatly diminished. But what’s to say Irene won’t wobble again and shift a tiny bit further east in the next day as she continues her path north.

Call us crazy, or call us chicken, but somehow going to a heavily forested area where the ground can become saturated from rain and increase the threat of trees toppling over from sustained strong winds didn’t seem like a good idea to us. We don’t need dents — or worse — on the roof of our condo on wheels.

Even the campground manager at Bull Run said it was probably smart that we were cancelling this weekend’s camping reservations. Well, not really cancelling, since we’re now booked to go back the first weekend in October.

the yellow flag shows the approximate location of bull run regional park.
[collage of images from ABC7 WJLA weather website]

This is what Irene looked like from space as she harassed the Caribbean on 22 August.

Even though this weekend’s plans have now been postponed to October, we won’t have to wait that long to go out in the Phaeton. We have reservations to camp at Bull Run over Labor Day weekend. (Marti and Paul: here’s hoping we have occasion to meet up at another time.)

9 comments:

Sue MaloneAugust 26, 2011 at 8:50 AM
Was wondering just where you would be this weekend. Hopefully Alexandria is out of the path, but I am checking...also, hopefully no trees where Phae is parked either! Take care
mbzAugust 26, 2011 at 9:15 AM
From one who has endured many hurricanes, this is the right thing to do.
Suggest you have flashlights, batteries, water and food for a while at the condo. Don't take any chances, please.
Sue and DougAugust 26, 2011 at 10:03 AM
some had mentioned the Outer Banks in North Carolina and I thought of you both!..better to steer clear of the path of Irene!..keep us all posted!..take care and we know you are 'prepared'!!!
Donna KAugust 26, 2011 at 10:04 AM
Not Chicken...SMART!! Be safe. Irene looks like one mean lady.
Russ KrecklowAugust 26, 2011 at 10:10 AM
Batten the hatches, and stay away from windows! I was a little worried that you guys were going to be out in the Phaeton. Glad you postponed your camping trip. Stay safe.
Paul and Marti DahlAugust 26, 2011 at 12:04 PM
Great minds think alike. I love trees but not on the roof of our RV. We cancelled, too. Sent you an email, let us know your Oct dates so we can meet up with you.

Stay dry! :c)
Travels with EmmaAugust 26, 2011 at 2:18 PM
Good thinking! Stay safe...
Chuck and Anneke's RV travelsAugust 26, 2011 at 9:51 PM
I would not call it chicken. Discretion is the better part of valor:)
AnonymousSeptember 4, 2011 at 11:47 AM
Well you shouldn't have to worry about me visiting again for a very long time.....of course, unless I physically turn up!! I loved your blog, the chicken was a very cute addition but I think it should have been a wise old owl! I loved the earthquake pic where the medicine cabinet contents fell very conveniently into the sink! -- IRENE H.